New Event Calls Attention to Drug Overdose Deaths in the QC

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Dozens of people are walking across the Centennial Bridge to raise awareness.

On Saturday, August 30th, 2014, the 1st Quad Cities Overdose Awareness Walk took place. Participants met at Lafayette Park in Davenport, walked across the Centennial Bridge, then held a community event at Schwiebert Riverfront Park in Rock Island.

The post-walk event included speakers, personal stories, and singers. There was also a memorial wall and a remembrance balloon release.

Organizers say the event is a way for people in the area to remember loved ones who have died of an opiate overdose. They also hope to call attention to the overdose antidote drug, Naloxone (Narcan), and inform people about laws that are - or are not - in place to help those who may be struggling.

"In Illinois, we have the 911 Good Samaritan Law where if someone is experiencing an overdose, they can call 911 without fear of prosecution," said Leah White, who attended the event. "In Iowa, we don't have those laws."

Speakers are the event included Iowa House Assistant Minority Leader, Ako Abdul-Samad, who submitted the 911 Good Samaritan Legislation in the 2014 Legislative Session, as well as Davenport Mayor Bill Gluba, Rock Island County Coroner Brian Gustafson, R.N., and Pastor Jim Huston from Hospice Compassus.